Observations Upon the Windward Coast of Africa eBook

On the morning of the 18th I bad my grateful adieu
to Madeira, and the friendly roof of Mr. Wardrope
and his united family, the abode of conjugal affection,
friendship, and hospitable reception; and at 2 P.M.
went on board. We weighed anchor under the protection
of the Favorite, the Arab continuing at her moorings.
Passing between the grand Canary and close in with
Teneriffe, we arrived safe at the island of Goree,
on the 5th of November, without our commodore, under
convoy of the Favorite. The ship Andersons having
freight to deliver at that island, we continued there
until the 12th, and again resumed our voyage; arriving,
without accident; at Bance Island, which I have previously
noticed, on the 22d of the same month.

My residence was confined to this island, and in excursions
through the neighbouring countries, until the 4th
June, 1806, during which period, and from a general
intercourse with an extended circle of chiefs, natives,
and traders, I have been enabled to decide upon the
situation of this country, and to form a conclusive
opinion of the condition and character of its inhabitants,
and its commercial resources.

From these sources of intelligence, and the example
this island displayed, with observations upon the
conduct and management of the Sierra Leone company,
I first conceived the system that I shall hereafter
delineate, upon which the African’s condition
may be effectually improved, and his hereditary slavery
exterminated.

[Illustration: BANCE ISLAND, in the RIVER SIERRA
LEONE. The Property of John & Alexander Anderson
Esq. London.]

The natives of Africa resident upon the coast, are
uniformly considered as more ferocious and barbarous
in their customs and manners, less numerous in population,
and more encroaching and deceitful, than those of the
interior. While this formidable opposition exists,
and the baneful influence of barbarous habits continues,
it is in vain to look to remuneration by natural commerce,
or to the establishment of civilization. The African’s
barbarity must be first here assailed, and the infinite
resources upon the coasts and maritime rivers must
be developed to his view, to pre-dispose him to refine
his condition, and adopt the civilized habits of life;
nor is there any site which I have met with upon the
Windward Coast of Africa, more calculated to promote
this beneficent undertaking, than the island of Bance,
from its locality of situation, being central to windward
and leeward operation, commanding an extensive circle
of interior country, and being long established in
the estimation of the natives of an extended district.
But more of this subject in order.

CHAPTER V.

Observations upon the natural Productions of the
River Sierra Leone.—­The Author explores
its Branches, interior to Bance Island, the Rochelle,
and the Port Logo.—­The Manners and Customs
of the Inhabitants.—­Their Commerce.—­The
Author’s safe Arrival at Miffare.